When there is so much information on the internet it can be difficult to discern what is true and what is false. I, like many of you, found some sites that made me question whether or not iJango was for real... Here's what I found and why I decided it was a risk worth taking, for me.
**Remember, if we all listened to what was said about Bill Nelson by itself, none of us would be the proud SCIO owners we are so make you're own decision, but please do so with as many facts as possible (not just rumors and bashing).
#1: Whose behind iJango and are they credible?
Cameron Sharpe is the visionary behind iJango and where the primary controversy is coming from. Apparently, like many people he has some 'stuff' in his past that isn't admirable - see his personal statement here: http://cameronbsharpe.com.
So after reading his statement if you're not convinced someone can grow up and/or change, I would then put stock in the fact that while Cameron may be the idea guy - Stephen Smith is the CEO and the one running the show...
But why do I care? Who is Stephen Smith? and is he actually involved?!
Stephen Smith is a former VP of Excel Communications. One of the largest communications companies in the world. According to Wikipedia:
Excel Communications was founded in 1988 by Dallas entrepreneur Kenny Troutt as a long distance reseller in the US telecom sector at the birth of telecom deregulation.
In the beginning, as the 432nd-largest long distance company in the United States, it began selling franchises through the business model of network marketing or multi-level marketing (MLM). In seven years, it became the fourth-largest long distance carrier in America and the youngest billion-dollar-annual company in history (8 years as compared to the second fastest growing, Microsoft, which took 15 years).
Stephen Smith was the individual responsible for creating Excel (http://www.excel.com) as an MLM according to funding universe, a company that matches high-level investors with new companies in need of investment capital and tracks corporate histories.
So, the primary things to notice in this video are A) The really great format of the platform they've put together and why it will be attractive for end-users and B) Who introduces Cameron.
As further proof of his involvement, here is a Welcome letter he wrote July 1st, 2009, click on it to download:
I called and spoke with Corporate (888-WEJANGO or 888-935-2646). They have assured me that "YES, there is a partnership with Google." Anything online claiming there is no relationship with Google according to corporate is simply not true - and apparently the exact nature of that relationship will be revealed at the big unveiling August 1st.
What is a tolerable risk for one person, won't be for another. I have made some great investments, I've also made some not so great. Most people have lost their shirts in the stock market recently in 'stable' mutual funds, a place where your money should have been safe. Was that a good investment?
Is there a risk? Sure. There is always a risk when investing in a new business. There is risk when investing in an established business (Mervyn's, Circuit City, Linens n'Things, CompUSA, KBToys, etc.). If you want no risk, put your money under your mattress... =}
The investment to get involved is time and $150 +$20/month.
Is it worth the financial risk? Potentially it will pay tens of thousands of dollars or more to the people who get in early... If they were asking for thousands of dollars investment, it would probably still be worth the risk, but I'd have to think a lot harder... At less than $200, the potential payout is significant enough to make it a no brainer and I don't jump onboard an MLM lightly...
In fact, I've only been intrigued by the financial potential of one other MLM despite my exposure to literally DOZENS.
At the end of the day, it's possible to spend as much on an evening out... But this evening out will likely at least pay for itself, if not bring you wealth...
I anticipate spending a couple of hours a week, no more, in this 'business'. Whatever it brings me with that level of effort is what it will bring me. I have two other 'real' businesses I'm running and expect this to be exactly what I said in my initial emails - a great item for my businesses 'back-end'.
Anything that brings in more money than it costs is an asset. With 2 hours per week, do I expect it to at least pay me more than $20/month? You bet!
Do I expect it to pay me more than that? Yes. In fact, I expect it will pay thousands upon thousands and I, for one, am very much looking forward to it!
#6: If I don't get my 6 people by August 1st, is it too late?
Absolutely not! The only thing that changes is the number of people it takes to reach the Regional Director level. From the iJango backoffice:
"During our pre-launch phase through July 31, 2009, you only need to personally enroll 2 Directors and have a total of 6 active Directors in your organization to qualify to promote to Regional Director. Once you are qualified for promotion, your next personal sponsorship will start your Regional Director organization. The deadline for promoting under these requirements is July 31, 2009. Beginning August 1, 2009 you will need to personally enroll 3 Directors and have a total of 12 active Directors in your organization. So get busy building your team now!"
and apparently there is a rumor that the deadline may get extended, in true MLM fashion... =}
If after all that, you're not ready, please send us an email and let me know why. What was your concern or objection that prevented you from participating? We (and iJango) can't fix what we don't know is broken. Let us know what the issue is and maybe there's something we can do about it so you or those that come after you won't miss out...
We will be offering support and resources for all those in our organization. We look forward to having you be part of our team and using what is likely to be an amazing tool to grow the back-end of your business!
